Boston Marathon Roll Call: Karima Modjadidi

How many times have you run Boston? Once

What was your first year running Boston?2016

What was your first experience like? PR? PW? Did you BQ at Boston or did it humble you and inspire you to seek out revenge?PW-I ran injured and my goal was to finish-which I did. But it wasn’t pretty. This year I want revenge.

Why do you keep coming back? Is there something special about the race that keeps you coming for more, or are you just a serial marathoner?Boston is such a wonderful race and it is awesome to be around runners of every level. The city has a hum to it over the weekend that is hard to explain but special to experience.

Is your preparation for the 2018 race different than previous Boston Marathons? Overall how would you rate your training? Was there a single workout or tuneup race where you thought, “Bring on Boston!” or conversely, “Oh my god I’m not ready for this!”This build-up was different in that I haven’t been hurt! I think training has gone really well. I feel strong after Blue Line and PR-ing at the NYC half but I also NEVER feel ready!

What are you looking forward to the most about the race?The end of taper madness!

What are you dreading the most about the race?The weather, waiting in Hopkinton, hills.

I double dare you: predict your time!Predicting my time is almost as bad as buying the jacket before finishing the race! I’m pretty superstitious.

What words of advice do you have for first-time Boston runners?Try to enjoy the entire weekend-not just race day. Also-have an exit strategy to meet family/friends. It is a zoo.

In three days you will cross the finish line and think, “NEVER AGAIN!” Be honest — will you run this race again?If I BQ again, definitely.

Which course is harder and why: New York or Boston?I haven’t run the NYC full but I did run the new half marathon course. I think Boston is harder but that may just be because I haven’t run the NYC course in full.

What’s the first beer you’ll have after the race?Mimosa! (I know it isn’t a beer)

I apologize for ripping this off from the NBR blog, but in your head what celebrity do you think you resemble most when you’re running?Cookie monster-I’m almost always thinking about the food to come after the race.